Good Read / Bad Read Indicators; Factors That May Impact Decode Performance; Bar Code Quality; Bar Code Source - Honeywell Marathon Programming Manual

Align the brackets so that the center (or one of the four corners of the bar code's center box) of the bar code is covered by the
cross-hair. Refer to bar code decoder engine Decode Zones later in this guide for recommended scan ranges for your device.

Good Read / Bad Read Indicators

The scan On indicator illuminates (usually red) when the beam is on. Following a bar code scan and "good read" the indicator
usually turns green and the Marathon beeps, indicating a successful scan. The mobile device may also play a WAV file while
decoding.
The laser beam and scan On indicator automatically turn off after a successful or unsuccessful read and the bar code reader is
ready to scan again.
Note: Whether there are beeps in conjunction with scan and decode functions is dependent on the application currently running
in the Marathon. Beeps are emitted by the Marathon, not the add-on module.
Note: Decrease decode time by disabling unused bar code types. The scan engine can store several different bar code
symbologies at the same time. This means the system is able to scan a Code 39 bar code, then an Interleaved 2 of 5 bar
code, then a different bar code without requiring a parameter reset.
Reboot the Marathon to synchronize the new bar code reader engine parameters with the Marathon bar code wedge settings.

Factors That May Impact Decode Performance

Successful decode range of a bar code decoder is dependent upon many outside influences including size of the bar code,
quality of the bar code printing, material the bar code is printed on, condition of the scan aperture lens (scratches) and angle of
the beam aperture relative to the bar code label. Any of these factors may result in having to re-scan the label from a different
distance or angle.

Bar Code Quality

Check the bar code for marks or physical damage e.g., ripped label, missing section, correct size for the bar code reader
being used, etc.
In general, the bigger the bar code the further the distance from which it can be read. If the bar code is smaller than the
specified size for the bar code reader being used, the distance, in almost all cases, will shrink.
Large bar codes can be read at the maximum distance. Hold the bar code reader closer to small bar codes (or with bars
that are very close together).
Note: Do not position the bar code reader exactly perpendicular to the bar code being scanned. In this position, light can
bounce back into the scan aperture, and possibly prevent a successful decode.

Bar Code Source

Using a graphics program to clip/copy a bar code from an electronic file (e.g., Adobe, Word) will copy the bar code at your
monitor's dot per inch setting, a level too low for successful bar code decoding.

Bar Code Symbology

Bar codes such as UPC codes and Code 128 are more complex than Code 39 and Interleaved 2 of 5. When attempting to
get the maximum read distance possible, particularly with reflective labels, use Code 39. The use of Code 128 or other
more complex symbologies will almost always result in a reduction in maximum read distance. Honeywell will not support
bar code reader maximum distances (located in Decode Zones) when symbologies other than Code 39 are used.

Lens Damage

A scratched scan beam aperture can impact read rates and distances. Beam apertures should be inspected frequently,
particularly if bar code reading quality or distances get worse over time.

Ambient Lighting

High ambient conditions, particularly outdoor environments, will produce enough light to somewhat "blind" the bar code
reader. This will result in shorter read distances.
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